Skagway preserves its 1898 Klondike Gold Rush-era boomtown character, with wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings backed by dramatic coastal mountains.
Why Visit Skagway
As the historic gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway offers one of Alaska’s best-preserved frontier downtowns alongside a legendary scenic railway into the mountains.
Top Experiences
- White Pass and Yukon Route Railway: Ride this historic narrow-gauge railway climbing steep mountain passes once used by gold rush prospectors.
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Walk Skagway’s restored gold rush-era downtown, preserved as a National Park Service site.
- Chilkoot Trail: Hike part of this historic trail once used by thousands of gold seekers heading to the Yukon.
- Dyea ghost town: Visit the site of this vanished gold rush boomtown a short drive from Skagway.
- Glacier and wildlife float tour: Take a scenic float trip on the Taiya River for glacier views and wildlife spotting.
Practical Tips
- Skagway is a major cruise port; downtown gets busiest when multiple ships are docked simultaneously.
- The White Pass railway can be booked as a round trip or combined with other tours; reserve ahead in peak summer.
- The town’s small size makes it very walkable, with most historic sites within a few blocks of the cruise dock.
FAQ
Is Skagway worth visiting?
Yes, for its Gold Rush history, scenic railway, and well-preserved frontier downtown.
What is Skagway known for?
The Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, and its historic boardwalk downtown.
How do you get to Skagway?
By cruise ship, ferry, or a scenic drive from the Yukon, as it has no direct road connection to the rest of Alaska.
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